Snug Harbor Cultural Center
1000 Richmond Ter, New York City, NY, 10301
Snug Harbor Cultural Center is an expansive 83-acre (33.6-hectare) arts complex featuring museums, themed gardens, and performance spaces. The site on Staten Island was once a home for retired sailors, but now hosts art exhibitions at the Newhouse Center, concerts, and festivals. Come here to explore the beautiful landscapes, learn about maritime history, and enjoy cultural events.
The basics
Snug Harbor Cultural Center offers a diverse range of experiences: Explore the Staten Island Children's Museum, the Staten Island Museum, and various art galleries, which are located across buildings on campus. The lush gardens provide a peaceful retreat ideal for picnics and leisurely strolls, including the popular New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden. Snug Harbor also hosts live performances, festivals, and workshops throughout the year. Guided tours of this lesser-known borough usually include a stop at the center, or you can venture here on your own by taking the Staten Island Ferry from Manhattan.
Things to know before you go
Check the center’s events calendar before you visit to find out if any special programs are happening.
You can buy an all-access pass to visit various attractions, including the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden, and Staten Island Museum. Snug Harbor’s other botanical gardens and outdoor grounds are free to enter.
Some areas of Snug Harbor may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
How to get there
Hop aboard the Staten Island Ferry at the Whitehall Terminal to get to Snug Harbor Cultural Center from Manhattan—the ferry ride is free. Transfer to the S40 or S44 bus once you arrive at the St. George Terminal on Staten Island, which will take you directly to Snug Harbor.
When to get there
Visit Snug Harbor Cultural Center during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the gardens are in full bloom. Late spring, especially from May to June, is ideal for enjoying the flower displays and outdoor activities. Come on a weekend to catch one of the center’s live performances, workshops, or festivals.
Things to do on Staten Island
If you’re traveling with kids, consider combining your trip to Snug Harbor Cultural Center with a visit to Staten Island Zoo. You can also stop by historic Richmond Town, which features period reenactors during the spring and summer months, and the Greenbelt parkland is perfect for hiking and picnicking.
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